East Sussex Music Summer School 2016 Course Information 1a Junior Violin (2 days) This course is aimed at pupils in year 3 and above pupils should be between A and D major in Suzuki Violin Book 1 and have been learning for over a year. This course is of a workshop style, including ensemble music making and an opportunity to develop note reading skills. Pupils will be encouraged to perform from memory. 1b Junior Violin (2 days) This course is aimed at pupils in year 3 and above pupils should be at least Grade 1 level and able to play from the final section of Suzuki Violin Book 1. This course will provide invaluable review work. This enables our team of experienced teachers to develop technique and musicality further while incorporating fun musical sessions for the children. Pupils will be encouraged to perform from memory. 1c Junior Violin (2 days) This course is aimed at pupils in year 3 and above pupils should be approaching Grade 2 level and able to play the early pieces of Suzuki Violin Book 2. This course will focus on tuning and good tone production. There will also be opportunities for children to develop their improvisation skills and play other styles of music. Pupils will be encouraged to perform from memory.
2 Junior Cello and Bass (2 days) This course is aimed at pupils in year 3 and above pupils should be approximately Grade 1 level. This course will focus on large group playing, including fun musical sessions, singing and listening. Pupils will be encouraged to perform from memory. 3 String Connexions (3 days) String Connexions is an ensemble for Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass pupils. It is intended for pupils who have reached the end of Suzuki Book 2 (Grade 2) up to Grade 3 standard and are in year 3 or above. This three day course gives pupils an opportunity to play with other instruments and develop their ensemble and note-reading skills. 4 String Concertino (3 days) String Concertino is designed for pupils who are Grade 3/4 level. This three day course gives pupils an opportunity to learn music from different countries and styles work at their ensemble skills. Pupils should be at least Year 4 to apply for this course.
5 String Sinfonia (3 days) This course is for Violinists of at least Grade 5 level. Cellists, Viola and Double Bass pupils should be at least Grade 4 level. It provides an opportunity for string players to explore the exciting sonorities of the string orchestra repertoire. Pupils should be at least Year 6 to apply for this course. 6 Keyboard Explorers (2 days) This two day course is for keyboard players from yrs 3-7 who have been learning from 1-4 years. Students will explore how to set up and use their keyboards, brush up on their note reading skills and learn exciting new ensemble tunes. Students will need to prepare some of the pieces with their teachers before the course. This course is by invitation only. 7 Keyboard Ensemble (3 days) This three day course is for keyboard players from yrs 7-13 who are on level P1 or above. This exciting course will focus on developing ensemble skills using music from a wide range of genres. Students will need to prepare some of the music before the course so they are familiar with it on the first day. There will be opportunities for improvising or composing. This course is by invitation only.
8 Brass Roots (2 days) This is a two-day course for brass players who have been learning for a year or two, and who are of approximately Grade 1-2 standard. French horns, trombones, euphoniums and tubas are especially welcome. The course will focus on playing a wide range of pieces with everyone playing together in a large ensemble. There will be specialist coaching from Music Service brass teachers. 9 Fanfare Brass Ensemble (3 days) This three-day course is for experienced brass players of approximately Grade 2 to 4 standard. French horns, trombones, euphoniums and tubas are especially welcome. The course will focus on articulation, legato and slurring, and playing with a wide range of musical dynamics. Music will include the themes from Ghostbusters, Mission Impossible and The Blues Brothers. There will be specialist coaching from Music Service brass teachers. 10 Rock and Blues Guitar (2 days) For students year 6 and up with a minimum of 18 months playing experience, this two day course promises to step your playing up that extra notch. Whether your future goals are to tour the stages of the world, lay down tracks in the studio or just keep playing for fun, a well rounded knowledge of different guitar styles is key. Over these two days you will be focusing on key players, songs and stylistic traits in the genres of Rock, Pop, Jazz and Blues. Ever wondered what Jimi Hendrix s favourite chord is? Or why Daft Punks Get Lucky is just so funky? This is where you will find out.
11 Classical Guitar Explorers (2 days) Lewes PAC Classical Guitar for those in their first year of learning, a fun variety of pieces will be explored in an ensemble setting; please bring footstool, music stand and a pencil (and a guitar!) This course will conclude with short presentation 12 Classical Guitar Ensemble (3 days) Classical Guitar for those of at least Grade 2 standard or equivalent. Group, trio, quartet and solo playing will be explored as well as performing and improvising hints and helps. Higher level players will be able to develop their skills in smaller groups as well as in ensemble playing. (Please note the ability to read treble clef notation rather than tab is required for this course.) 13 Beginner Flute (2 days) A two day course designed for pupils in years 3-7 in the initial stages of learning, to experience the excitement of playing in a large group and to perfect, to a high level, pieces previously learnt to improve intonation, technique and musical expression. Entry will be by invitation only to pupils following an appropriate course of lessons during the year. Flute pupils will be pre grade 1 level and must be able to play G major one octave and Turn the Glasses Over to attend this course
14 Beginner Clarinet and Saxophone (2 days) A 2 day course designed for pupils in years 3-7 in the initial stages of learning, to experience the excitement of playing in a large group and to perfect, to a high level, pieces previously learnt to improve intonation, technique and musical expression. Entry will be by invitation only to pupils following an appropriate course of lessons during the year. (Bb clarinets and Eb alto saxophone only) Clarinet pupils will be pre grade 1 and must be able to play low A to throat A and Come and Sing Together to attend this course. Saxophone pupils will be pre grade 1 and must be able to play low E to E in the second octave, and Hatikvah to attend this course. 15 Intermediate Flute (2 days) A 2 day course designed for pupils in years 4-8 who are moving on from the beginning stages of learning, to experience the excitement of playing in a large group and to perfect, to a high level, pieces previously learnt to improve intonation, technique and musical expression. Entry will be by invitation only to pupils following an appropriate course of lessons during the year. Flute pupils should be Grade 1-2 and should be able to play a minimum of Maypole Dance to attend this course.
16 Intermediate Clarinet and Saxophone (2 days) A 2 day course designed for pupils in years 4-8 who are moving on from the beginning stages of learning, to experience the excitement of playing in a large group and to perfect, to a high level, pieces previously learnt to improve intonation, technique and musical expression. Entry will be by invitation only to pupils following an appropriate course of lessons during the year. (Bb clarinets and Eb alto saxophone only) Clarinet pupils will be grade 1-2 standard, and should be competent in the low register down to low E and playing in the upper register to high G (From a minimum of Soldier Soldier to Mango Walk) to attend this course. (Bb clarinets only) Saxophone players should be able to play D major 2 octaves to attend this course. (Eb alto saxophones only) 17 Woodwind Ensemble (3 days) This popular course is designed for Woodwind Players of Grade 3+ to 5 standard who wish to develop their technical and performance skills to a new level. We welcome Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone and Bassoon players who will rehearse and perform as a large ensemble and also in singe instrument groups with specialist staff. Flute players should be able to play G major and G minor 2 octaves and perform Study in G by Tulou from 76 Graded Studies. Clarinet players should be able to play in the Upper register up to and including high D and perform Consider Yourself Saxophone players should be able to play a D Chromatic scale 2 octaves and should be past 112 (Don t get around much anymore) in Abracadabra. Oboe and Bassoon players should be of at least a good Grade 3 standard and able to sight read well.
18 Intermediate Percussion (2 days) 11-12 July, at Lewes Performing Arts Centre Drummers will be developing their basic timing and reading skills working in an ensemble with a huge range of percussion instruments from all around the world. These will include junk percussion (made famous by Stomp! ), Orchestral percussion (xylophones, vibraphones etc.) and Latin American instruments. We will be working on written pieces and writing pieces together to perform at the end of the course. If you have a Snare drum and stand please bring them along with your drum sticks and ear plugs. There will be a short presentation at the end of the course in Lewes. 19 Samba (2 days) 14-15 July, at Lewes Performing Arts Centre This is a two day course concentrating on the rhythms of Brazil. We will be learning about the history and culture of samba music through the piece we will be working on. Pupils will have the opportunity to try all the different instruments from a Samba band and even lead the Bateria! No previous experience is necessary and you will need to bring earplugs! Sticks and drums will be provided. There will be a short presentation at the end of the course in Lewes. 20 Advanced Percussion (3 days) 13-15 July, at Lewes Performing Arts Centre Pupils will be working with a huge range of percussion instruments from all around the world including junk percussion made famous by Stomp! Orchestral percussion (xylophones, vibraphones etc.) and Latin American instruments. We will be writing a piece together and working on technique and performance. If you have a Snare drum and stand please bring them along with your drum sticks and ear plugs. There will be a short presentation at the end of the course in Lewes.
21 Songwriting (2 days) 11-12 July, at Lewes Performing Arts Centre A two day course that will address contemporary songwriting techniques with special focus sessions on lyric writing, arranging for instruments and the publishing industry. Open to students interested in writing and performing their own songs, especially of value to those studying music from yr10 upwards, but depending on experience, not restricted to them. On day 2 we aim to have an in-house band to help realise the songs in performance and also give the songwriters experience of directing musicians and refining their learning arranging skills. Places limited to 25 There will be a short presentation at the end of the course in Lewes. 22 Film Music Composition (5 days) 18-22 July, at Lewes Performing Arts Centre Following on from last year s highly successful Film Composition summer school we will be again offering the opportunity for young composers to score for a brand new film in collaboration with Sussex Downs College Creative media department. Suitable for students studying GCSE music through to A-level/BTEC level 3 who have an interest in both film and composition. An ability to improvise and a familiarity with either/both Logic and Sibelius is an advantage but not essential, the most important criteria is an open mind, an ability to be part of a team/ensemble and to be able to generate creative ideas quickly. We are planning to have a Q&A from professional composers to give advice on the scoring process as well as getting into the profession and there will be a premiere of the film and live performance of the score on the Friday. Places limited to 25. There will be a short presentation at the end of the course in Lewes.
23 Glyndebourne Choral (5 days) 18-22 July, at Lewes Performing Arts Centre Whether you are an experienced singer, a member of a choir or just someone who loves to sing but hasn't had any formal training this new intensive course is your chance to discover your full potential. The course will be delivered in partnership with Glyndebourne and led by Music Director of Glyndebourne Youth Opera, Lee Reynolds. The 5-day course is open to year 8 upwards (age 13-18). By tackling a wide range of music, we'll be focusing on the demanding art of singing as part of a choir, developing ensemble skills, group musicianship, communication of text, blend and sound, and having a lot of fun along the way. You'll leave with the confidence of knowing you have a musical toolbox stuffed full of ideas and techniques to help you in all the singing you do, not just in choirs. Lee works with musicians ranging from absolute beginners to elite orchestras and opera companies. He was part of the team to be awarded an RPS Award for Learning and Participation for Glyndebourne's production of the community opera 'Imago', and was Chorus Master and Assistant Conductor for David Bruce s new youth opera Nothing which premiered at Glyndebourne in February 2016. The course concludes with a performance at Lewes Town Hall at 6.30pm. 24 East Sussex String Chamber Orchestra (5 days) 18-22 July at Lewes Performing Arts Centre Talented string players from Grade 6 may join by applying for the Summer School course and attending a subsequent audition. Existing members of HAYSO and SDYO are not required to do an audition but will need to complete a Summer School application form. Under the leadership of Christopher Hirons and following highly successful summer school courses over recent years the orchestra will again focus on a wide range of music from different countries and different centuries. The course concludes with a performance at Lewes Town Hall at 6.30pm. Musical Director - Christopher Hirons has spent most of his playing career leading and directing chamber orchestras including the Northern Sinfonia, the Academy of Ancient Music, the English String Orchestra and Orchestra da Camera. Christopher has also led the Birmingham Bach Orchestra and been a member of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields for eight years. He has appeared many times as a soloist and director in most of the major festivals and concert halls worldwide. He teaches at the Royal College of Music Junior Department, where he also directs the String Orchestra and is the Director of the National Youth Chamber Orchestra of Great Britain
25 East Sussex Wind Sinfonia (5 days) 18-22 July at Lewes Performing Arts Centre ESWS is the county's most senior ensemble for woodwind players, meeting for short courses and on the annual summer school. The ensemble has quickly established a reputation for excellence in performance with music ranging from classics of the wind chamber repertoire (Mozart, Strauss) to original contemporary works (Adam Gorb, Guy Woolfenden) and music for stage and screen (Bernstein West Side Story, John Williams Harry Potter). The instrumental line up comprises the full range of woodwind with opportunities to gain experience on speciality instruments such as piccolo, alto flute, cor anglais, Eb, alto & bass clarinets, soprano, tenor & baritone saxophones and contrabassoon. Occasionally students are encouraged to try their hand at conducting the Sinfonia under controlled rehearsal conditions, with appropriate guidance and tuition. From time to time renowned guest musicians, composers and arrangers will be invited to work with the Sinfonia to further develop the repertoire and profile of this unique and pioneering ensemble. Student composers interested in writing or arranging for the ensemble are invited to express their interest with the course director. ESWS is directed by Stuart Longley, an experienced conductor and woodwind specialist with the East Sussex Music Service. Who should apply? Woodwind players (flutes, oboes, clarinets, saxophones and bassoons) of minimum Grade 6 standard. Entry is by audition unless students are already woodwind members of SDYO or HAYSO, these students will be accepted automatically on receipt of an application. Enquiries from french horn players of similar standard are also welcome. The course concludes with a performance at Lewes Town Hall at 6.30pm.